Roland VS-2400CD Owner's Manual page 155

Threshold and Ratio Settings for a Compressor
While all of the DYN screen parameters interact, Threshold and Ratio work together as
arguably the two most fundamental parameters. Here are some guidelines for setting
Threshold and Ratio when you're using a compressor:
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Once you're got Threshold and Ratio working as desired, use the other settings to fine-
tune your dynamics processing.
5. AutoGain
AutoGain automatically boosts signals whose levels have been lowered by
dynamics processing so that they peak at -6 dB below 0 dB.
AutoGain sets the signal to a maximum of -6 dB in order to leave a bit of headroom for
fast transient volume peaks that occur before the dynamics processor has a chance to
respond.
6. Attack
The Attack parameter—which can be set from 0.0 ms (milliseconds) to 800.0
ms—sets the speed at which gain reduction begins when a signal:
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If you want to make sure your dynamics processor catches even the fastest peaks or
drops in the signal, make the attack fast by setting Attack to a low value. If you're more
concerned with applying gain reduction to signals that stay above or below the
threshold for longer periods of time—with compression or expansion, respectively—
set Attack to a higher, longer value.
Adjust the setting of the Attack parameter to help soften the audible pumping that can
occur with a high Ratio value.
7. Release
The Release parameter sets how long gain reduction will be applied, and
can be set from 0 to 8000 ms. When your signal has a lot of quick changes in
level, set Release to a high enough value that you don't hear the dynamics
processor switching on and off constantly. If you're only interested in
managing a few isolated level changes in a signal, try a shorter, lower value.
Adjust the setting of the Release parameter to help soften the audible pumping that
can occur with a high Ratio value.
Roland VS-2400CD Owner's Manual
For a signal that has just a few level peaks you want to tame, try a 4:1 Ratio value
with a high Threshold setting so that only the loudest levels are compressed.
To compress a singer, start with a 2:1 ratio—and a low Threshold value—and
gradually raise the Ratio value to taste.
To smooth out a bass or tighten a snare, try a middle/low threshold and a 4:1 ratio.
To add sustain to a lead guitar, try a ratio of 8:1 with a low threshold.
goes above the threshold when you're using a compressor.
falls below the threshold level when you're using an expander.
11—Input and Track Channel Tools
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